Grindhouse Gets Split For The US

After its disastrous opening weekend, many have begun the manic speculation as to why “Grindhouse” failed to click with US audiences.

The film’s extended 192 minute runtime, lack of audience awareness of the ‘Grindhouse’ concept, and generally bad counterprogramming move to release the film at Easter is being cited as the most likely reason.

Harvey Weinstein told DeadlineHollywoodDaily.com that “I’m incredibly disappointed. We tried to do something new and obviously we didn’t do it that well” and adds that according to research, it was that runtime that was “the single biggest deterrent”.

The fate of the films now is in question and there’s already one idea – splitting the movie in two like it will be in European territories. With what is said to be a near $70 million budget, and an at least admitted $30 million marketing cost, the company is in definite need to try and recoup its money.

“We could split the movies in a couple of weeks. Make Tarantino’s a full-length film, and Rodriguez’s too. We’ll be adding those ‘two missing reels’ that’s talked about in the movie” says Weinstein.

Whilst non-English speaking territories have already been set for the dual-film release, there’s now also talk that the planned single releases for the UK and Australia will be turned into dual-release films as well.

Weinstein adds that the plan overseas is to release Tarantino’s “Death Proof” and the interval trailers first, then follow a few months later with Rodriguez’s “Planet Terror”.